Vesterheim's Folk-Art Benefit Auction begins Saturday

The annual Benefit Auction for Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, will be held online from noon (CST), Saturday, October 12, until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20.

The auction has over 50 pieces of one-of-a-kind folk-art by artists working in the Norwegian tradition. There are works of rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting) in a variety of styles, a woven rug, tapestries, woodcarvings, and more.

Also, the auction includes a river cruise from Viking Cruises. Choose any eight-day river cruise in 2019 or 2020 for two people.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit Vesterheim's Folk Art School, which has provided classes since 1967 in fiber arts, woodworking, painting, cooking, jewelry, blacksmithing, knifemaking, and more. At the Folk Art School, students and instructors create a community of learning and experience the joy of making something by hand.

"Vesterheim is very grateful to everyone who donated to this auction. Through exceptional support from artists and donors, previous auctions have raised more than $77,000 for the Folk Art School," Marcia McKelvey said, Director of Administration at Vesterheim.

To participate in the auction from anywhere in the world, go to www.biddingforgood.com/VEST-AUCTION. Contact Marcia McKelvey at 563-382-9681, or mmckelvey@vesterheim.org, with auction questions.